Victorian Period Zulu War Iklwa Short Spear c1879

Here on offer is a fine example of a Victorian period Zulu War iklwa short spear, circa 1879.

The Zulus were renowned for their use of the short assegai spear. This stabbing weapon was named the 'iklwa' after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim's body.

Under Shaka Zulu, the Zulu warrior carried a short stabbing spear with an approximate 8” to 10” blade over 1.5” wide fastened with wrapping to a 30” long wooden shaft.

These spears where made famous in the Zulu Wars of South Africa, as seen in the films Zulu and Zulu Dawn and used by the Zulu tribe during the Battle of Isandlwana, the Battle of Rorke's Drift, and the Battle of Ulundi during the Zulu war in 1879 South Africa.

The spear is constructed of a steel leaf shaped tip with a central ridge. This fits securely into a flat twisted metal reinforced socket, that in turn connects to a 30” long dark Mahogony wooden shaft. The end of the shaft then fits into another socket of flat twisted metal.

The spear is in excellent condition with all the steel now displaying a dark aged patina and some light pitting.

It makes a great display piece for Victorian history buffs or collectors of the Martini-Henry rifle.

The blade measures 10” (25.4cm) long and 1.5” (3.8cm) wide in the middle.

The wooden shaft is 30” (76.2cm) long and the whole spear measures 48.5” (123.2cm) long.

It weighs 430g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52551